Diagnostic Imaging & Testing

Medical Imaging at St. Joseph Medical Center

Patient comfort and medical needs are our top priorities. Hospital inpatients have private waiting areas for their comfort, and procedure rooms are large and gently lighted, with adequate space for physician and staff workstations. We provide extraordinary speed and quality in diagnostic medical imaging with leading-edge imaging equipment.

Diagnostic Imaging Services

Our highly skilled staff includes registered nurses and radiologic technologists. Radiologists are also available to respond to patient and other physician needs. Each service available in the diagnostic imaging department is provided by Advanced Certified Technologists who are certified in pediatric echo, adult echo, CT, mammography, MRI, OB-GYN, abdominal and small parts and vascular imaging. A registered nurse specializing in breast health is available as a resource for women at all stages of breast cancer.

Images at St. Joe’s are managed with the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which is a computerized way to replace hard-copy images. Using PACS eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve or transport images and allows healthcare providers at different locations to access the same information.

Our Imaging Equipment

Our systems were selected for superior speed and capability. They provide more detail and information than ever before.

Mammography

The Hologic Selenia Digital Mammography machine is a low-dose digital system that uses less radiation than film X-rays. The images are stored electronically. Physicians can adjust brightness or zoom in for close-ups of specific areas, which is not possible with film.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopic radiology uses contrast to help physicians and radiologists visualize joints, organs and even blood passing through veins.

Computed tomography (CT)

Our high-resolution 16-slice CT scanner is one of the most commonly used tools to examine the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Computed tomography (CT) scans help diagnose a range of conditions that affect the lungs, soft tissue, bones and blood vessels by taking thin slices (images) of your body.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine uses a high-powered magnet and radio waves to create accurate and detailed images to help diagnose problems affecting the spinal cord and brain, or monitor the progress of treatment for disease. Because MRI can see through bone and clearly define soft tissue, it can be used to make a diagnosis in some areas X-rays cannot.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used as a diagnostic tool to view organs, veins, arteries, legs, arms and the neck. It is used by OB/GYN physicians to visualize and track the size, development and position of a mother and her baby.

X-rays

Using high-energy photons, X-rays produce still images of the body to help physicians diagnose abnormalities.

DEXA scans

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiomentry (DEXA) scans are the most commonly used tests for measuring bone mineral density. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnosis osteopenia, a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal, or osteoporosis, a disease where bone mineral density is reduced, and leads to an increased risk of fracture.

Cardiac Ultrasound Echocardiogram (Echo)

One suite is set up to perform a cardiac ultrasound (also called an echocardiogram, or echo). These tests capture images of the heart which cardiologists can use to help diagnose many cardiac problems. The images are stored in a system that allows clinicians and cardiologists to view the images and report on the tests at reading stations throughout the hospital. The medical imaging department also has mobile capabilities to perform these tests throughout the hospital.